Video Asylum

Posted by HBart (i) on June 05, 2001 at 13:02:20

In Reply to: Home theater computer -help posted by parkinj@csi.com on June 04, 2001 at 12:49:59:

A HTPC is be definition a progressive scan player that will produce better picture quality than a non-progressive stand-along player. It also offers flexibility in resolutions that are not typically available without stand-alone video processors. You can also do things like play DVDs from any region (with many drives) and skip over FBI warnings which you cant do from most home players.

Basically you need a decent PC with a DVD drive; it will come with DVD playback software, and then you can get a basic setup working. If you want progressive scan out to your TV you'll need a digital set and probably a VGA to component converter.

Once you get the basics, there are lots of SW packages that may or may not be better suited for your needs. I'd suggest visiting www.avsforum.com and going to their HTPC forum. You can get all the info you need (and then some) there.